We turn our clocks back in October of each year, but that really doesn't matter for union members because it's always "Union Time!" Whenever workers step up together to improve their own lives or the lives of co-workers, families, neighbors and friends, it's always time to celebrate real victories.

In this issue of President Joe's Journal, workers at the Rosemont Treatment Center and School for Girls in Portland vote to join SEIU Local 503, OPEU, the Oregon Investment Council sets new standards for investing member pension fund dollars, Homecare workers ratify a new contract and the 2007 Women's Conference fills the Portland office.

 In this issue: OIC Adopts Responsible Contractor Policy   New Rosemont Members Celebrate Victory    Homecare Members Ratify New Contract and    Women's Conference

Responsible Contractor Policy
SEIU Local 503, OPEU members won a major victory at the September Oregon Investment Council (OIC) meeting in Tigard. Council members voted to adopt a "Responsible Contractor Policy" (RCP) that applies to all real estate investments held by the $60 billion PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) investment portfolio managed for PERS-covered members.

In practice, this new "RCP" means that custodians, janitors, security guards and others who work to provide building services in properties that are indirectly owned by SEIU Local 503, OPEU members through the OIC portfolio will be promised fair treatment, fair wages and benefits and safe working conditions. Workers are also guaranteed the absolute right to organize, without fear of intimidation, under federal and state law.

The new policy does not require membership in unions, but it requires "fair wages" and "fair benefits" for workers hired by building management to maintain PERS pension plan-owned property. Fair wages and benefits are determined by considering local wage practices, state laws, prevailing wages, labor market conditions and other items.

Research has shown that well-maintained buildings provide better returns for investors. When members require office buildings in our pension fund portfolio to adhere to a Responsible Contractor Policy, we make sure those office buildings are occupied by quality tenants and are high performance workplaces for the cleaning and maintenance workers who work there. That's a win-win, because the policy also ensures better investment returns for pension plan members.

SEIU's "Capital Stewardship" goals make it clear that pension funds that belong to union members should not be used to disadvantage other members, potential members, or workers anywhere. The adoption of the Responsible Contractor Policy in Oregon is a welcome step toward every union member's goal: respect and dignity for all workers.

New Rosemont Members Celebrate Victory

Workers at Rosemont Treatment Center and School for Girls in Portland celebrated a victory last week after they voted overwhelmingly to join SEIU Local 503, OPEU. Determined workers at Rosemont stood up to a very tough anti-worker campaign by management that included anti-union literature, captive audience meetings and the termination of a union supporter. Each of Rosemont's newest members to join SEIU has given everyone reason to celebrate.

Rosemont is the largest residential treatment center for troubled teen girls in the Pacific Northwest. Information from the center's well-produced website reports that Villa St. Rose was established in 1902 by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. In 1980, an independent non-profit Board of Directors took over management. Rosemont moved to a modern building in southeast Portland in 1995 and merged with Morrison Child and Family Services in 1999.

Rosemont residents have experienced many difficulties including sexual and physical abuse, parental neglect, failure in school, truancy and trouble with the law. Not surprisingly, among the mental health issues and emotional problems Rosemont clients face, many also struggle with substance abuse. Often they have run away from their families, foster homes or have given up on previous treatments.

The Rosemont website also says the goal for each girl is to find a secure and predictable environment with workers who care for them and work to help them focus on forming new attitudes and safer behaviors. Rosemont staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, residential counselors, a Registered Nurse, teachers, educational aides and an occupational therapist. Staff members work to help each girl return to community life as quickly as possible and also work to restore and strengthen families.

Workers stood strong and sent a clear message to management. Their vision for a better Rosemont School for both workers and clients made all the difference. There is no doubt that the strength and solidarity new members demonstrated during this organizing campaign will have a long-standing impact on Rosemont that certainly translates into higher standards of care.

eNews Flash

Homecare Members Ratify Contract: With a resounding 99% "yes" vote, Homecare members voted to ratify the 2007 - 2009 contract. Once again, Homecare members fought for and won wage increases, better benefits and improved working conditions. The new contract is a victory for Homecare providers and every client who depends on their professional services. Congratulations to all! Women's Conference: On October 6, SEIU Local 503, OPEU members gathered in Portland for the 2007 Women's Conference and took the day to learn about and celebrate the achievements of women in labor history and make future plans for women in our union. Many thanks to Kathleen Lamar, Department of Justice member and chair of the SEIU Women's Council and every member who helped make this event a success.